Featured Traveller: Roger Karel – BJJ Globetrotters
Age: 50
Belt: Black
Profession: Head coach at Blue Dog Jiu-Jitsu
How many years in BJJ: 9.5
Other martial arts: Started with Kyokushin Karate in ’86 and have since tried my hand at Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Japanese Ju Jutsu, and MMA.
Where do you live: Yeovil in Somerset, southwest England.
Where are you from: Born in Heemskerk, the Netherlands.
Any fun facts you’d like to share: I used to be the frontman of a Grunge band in the 90s when I had hair.
Roger Karel – BJJ Globetrotters Midsummer Camp
What inspired you to travel and train?
I originally found the BJJ Globetrotters In Action videos in 2018 and loved the whole concept. Due to parental and financial responsibilities (I have 4 kids!) I didn’t get the opportunity to attend my first camp until 2023 and that was Heidelberg summer camp. I now try to attend two camps per year.
Tell us about your most recent trip and what’s next – where have you been and where are you going?
Most recent was my third trip to Heidelberg where it all began. I have two camps booked currently for 2027, and that’s Tallinn and Finland camps and potentially another visit to Heidelberg. I cannot wait!
Roger Karel – BJJ Globetrotters Copenhagen Camp
What do you enjoy most about travelling?
I love the whole experience, even the airport! As soon as I step foot in the airport, the excitement hits me. What am I talking about—as soon as I start packing, the excitement hits me! The anticipation of meeting up with the friends I’ve made and the experiences we will have is really addictive, plus I might also learn some Jiu-Jitsu along the way. I’m hooked!
Any particularly memorable experiences that made it all worth it?
Receiving my black belt from Francesco Fonte and Priit Mihkelson at the last Summer Camp in Heidelberg is a pretty big one. It was completely unexpected and I think I was in shock for quite a while. It was made even more special by having my travel buddy James Stagg and a few of the Blue Dog team present. The overall camp experiences and great people is what makes it worthwhile though and keeps me wanting to go again and again.
What has surprised you the most while travelling?
Just how easy it is to get around and do things. Everything now has an app. Regardless of where in Europe I am, there’s no thinking or worrying required, which is great for me—stress free.
Roger Karel – BJJ Globetrotters Summer Camp
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
Yes I am. I haven’t gone over budget yet! If its not an all-inclusive camp, I try to travel with a few friends to reduce the cost of an Airbnb. Our first port of call is always the nearest supermarket to find affordable breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the week, so we can save our money for the nights out with the Globetrotters crew. Apps are again really useful to find affordable modes of transport, such as the Bolt electric scooters in Heidelberg (sober only, obviously).
Any advice for your fellow Globetrotters?
Don’t drink too much on night 0! Bring a good antifungal soap/body wash to keep the nasty things away so you can stay on the mat and keep training on your trip. Pack light, invest in a lightweight travel gi. I also pack a small bottle of antibacterial detergent just in case you have to hand wash any training gear. If you’re traveling alone, don’t worry, as you’ll soon meet some great new friends and most of all just relax and enjoy the experience.
See you all soon.
